Munich Tips & Advice

Below are some frequently asked questions and fun facts about Munich. For additional information, help with accommodations, assistance with further European travel, etc, just drop by our shop. Our friendly, native English-speaking staff is always eager to help!

How do I use the phone here?

Germany’s country code is +49 and Berlin’s area code is 089. When calling from abroad, drop the ‘0’ at the start of the area code. Within Germany, keep the ‘0’. For instance, to call our shop from New York City, dial 011 49 89 23 88 87 98. To call it from Frankfurt, dial 089 23 88 87 98. To dial from Germany to another country, start with the’00’ access code, before entering that country’s international code.

Calling here can be expensive and there’s seemingly never a coin-operated phone when you need one. Your best bet is to buy a phone card from any of the myriad of media stores typically found around the main metro stations.

Where can I change money?

If you just got here or are heading over the border soon, your best bet is to hit the Exchange AG office just off Marienplatz. From that central square just walked passed the Old Peter (Peterskirche) and make a left. The actual address is Am Petersplatz 10.

What’s the trendiest area of Munich?

While it used to be all about Schwabing off Leopoldstrasse, the current hip area of Munich is the Glockenbach quarter. From Gärtnerplatz walk towards Fraunhoferstraße and you’ll hit a myriad of good bars. Remember, things close early here in Munich compared to other European cities, so don’t start your night too late.

Where can I get souvenirs and memorabilia?

The best bets for souvenirs isn’t but a few hundred meters from our Segway shop. Just off the pedestrian zones of Neuhauser Str. and Kaufingerstr. are Max Krug (yellow awning) and Hermann Geschänke (blue awning).

How about some beer gardens?

Where to start?! There are so many great beer gardens in Munich, there’s a reason the city is famous for them! A few of our favorites and not to be missed include:

* Augustiner on Arnulfstraße. It may not be known for its food variety or service, but the beer is some of the best and the old massive trees provide amazing shade. Plus, we’re biased because it’s close to our shop.
* Viktualienmarkt. The quaint beer garden in the middle of Munich’s farmers’ market is like a flash back in time. Plus, if you’ve had enough of the beer you’re surrounded by food, fruit, and vegetable stands.
* Chinese Tower in the Englischer Garten. It’s the world’s most popular beer garden, and for good reason. It’s bustling on sunny days and after a couple liters, the fact that the traditional music is coming from a band up in a massive Chinese pagoda, seems completely… Bavarian.

What is the norm on tipping?

Waiters and waitresses here do not rely as much on tips as in countries such as the US or Canada. However, tipping is appreciated. Most patrons will round up about 5% - 10%. So if your total is €7.10, you may want to tell your server €7.50 or €8.00 when he or she comes to the table for payment.

What’s the story with the Oktoberfest, and why is it mainly in September?

The Oktoberfest ranks as one of the largest festivals in the world and surely one of its craziest parties.  In just more than 2 weeks typically more than 6 million visitors descend upon the otherwise forgotten Theresienwiese to frolic, be merry, enjoy the carnival rides, and consume more than 6 million liters of Munich’s finest beer.

The Oktoberfest traces its roots back to the marriage celebration of Crown Prince Ludwig to his bride Therese on October 18, 1810. The party was such a success that it became an annual anniversary event. The celebrations have since been extended and pushed forward to start the second-to-last Saturday of September in order to take advantage of historically better weather. The event is a huge breadwinner for many of the service staff and stand proprietors, not to mention Munich’s breweries so recently they’ve pushed to expand it beyond the traditional 16 days depending on when German Unification Day (Oct 3rd) falls.

It’s kid-friendly during the day while towards the late afternoon and night the massive beer halls constructed just for this celebration quickly fill up. Don’t miss it!

How about Munich nightlife?

Of course we recommend checking out our fun and unique Munich Night Segway Tour as an alternative to the beer halls. But, should you want to go the more traditional route, and beer is the name of the game, then the Hofbräuhaus is not to be missed. With its hoards of tourists, live traditional music, flowing beer, and massive pretzels, it drums out the Bavarian stereotypes nightly until just before midnight.

Regarding clubs, many in Munich have a stricter dress code than other cities, so no shorts or sandals. While there are a couple good clubs (Atomic Cafe, Americanos) close to the Hofbräuhaus, the newest places to be are always changing so just ask us or ask at your hotel.

How do I get out to the Neuschwanstein Castle?

A day trip to Neuschwanstein is the most popular excursion in all of Germany. Nestled at the foot of the Bavarian Alps this fairytale castle is a sight to behold.

Although it is possible to get out there by train, the connections are poor and the regional train wagons used aren’t the most comfortable. We recommend going on the tour with Bus Bavaria / Mike’s Bike Tours. They used an air-conditioned bus, include a bike ride of the (flat) surrounding areas, and hike up a beautiful gorge to get to the castle. It’s an active day, but if that’s the idea then you won’t regret that choice! Plus, the guide doing that tour is Brad, a magician and fantastic entertainer who is sure to show you a good time.